Chapter 4
1 Forth from the dark and stormy sky, Lord, to thine altar's shade we fly; Forth from the world, its hope and fear, Father, we seek thy shelter here: Weary and weak, thy grace we pray; Turn not, O Lord, thy guests away.
2 Long have we roamed in want and pain; Long have we sought thy rest in vain; Wildered in doubt, in darkness lost, Long have our souls been tempest-tost: Low at thy feet our sins we lay; Turn not, O Lord, thy guests away.
25. 11s. M. Edmeston.
The House of G.o.d.
1 There's a refuge of peace from the tempests that beat, From the dark clouds that threaten, the wild wind that blows; A holy, a sweet and a lovely retreat, A spring of refreshment, a place of repose.
2 'Tis the house of my G.o.d, 'tis the dwelling of prayer, The temple all hallowed by blessing and praise; If sorrow and faithlessness conquer me, there My heart to the throne of his grace I can raise.
3 For a refuge like this, ah, what praises are due!
For a rest so serene, for a covert so fair: Ah, why are the seasons of wors.h.i.+p so few?
And why are so seldom the meetings of prayer?
26. 8 & 7s. M. J. Taylor.
The Fount of Blessing.
1 Far from mortal cares retreating, Sordid hopes, and vain desires, Here our willing footsteps meeting, Every heart to heaven aspires.
2 From the fount of glory beaming, Light celestial cheers our eyes, Mercy from above proclaiming
3 Who may share this great salvation?
Every pure and humble mind, Every kindred, tongue, and nation, From the stains of guilt refined.
4 Blessings all around bestowing, G.o.d withholds his care from none, Grace and mercy ever flowing From the fountain of his throne.
27. C. M. Newton.
A Blessing sought.
1 Great Shepherd of thy people, hear; Thy presence now display; We kneel within thy house of prayer; O, give us hearts to pray.
2 The clouds which veil thee from our sight, In pity, Lord, remove; Dispose our minds to hear aright The message of thy love.
3 Help us, with holy fear and joy, To kneel before thy face; O, make us, creatures of thy power, The children of thy grace.
28. 7s. M. J. Taylor.
Preparation for Wors.h.i.+p.
1 Lord, before thy presence come, Bow we down with holy fear; Call our erring footsteps home, Let us feel that thou art near.
2 Wandering thoughts and languid powers Come not where devotion kneels; Let the soul expand her stores, Glowing with the joy she feels.
3 At the portals of thine house, We resign our earth-born cares; n.o.bler thoughts our souls engross, Songs of praise and fervent prayers.
29. C. M. Rippon's Coll.
"Hallowed be Thy name."
1 Holy and reverend is the name Of our eternal King; Thrice holy Lord, the angels cry; Thrice holy, let us sing.
2 The deepest reverence of the mind Pay, O my soul, to G.o.d; Lift with thy hands a holy heart To his sublime abode.
3 With sacred awe p.r.o.nounce his name, Whom words nor thoughts can reach; A broken heart shall please him more Than the best forms of speech.
4 Thou holy G.o.d! preserve my soul From all pollution free; The pure in heart are thy delight, And they thy face shall see.
30. S. M. Urwick's Coll.
Pleasures of Spiritual Wors.h.i.+p.
1 How sweet to bless the Lord, And in his praises join, With saints his goodness to record, And sing his power divine!
2 These seasons of delight The dawn of glory seem, Like rays of pure, celestial light, Which on our spirits beam.
3 O, blest a.s.surance this; Bright morn of heavenly day; Sweet foretaste of eternal bliss, That cheers the pilgrim's way.
4 Thus may our joys increase, Our love more ardent grow, While rich supplies of Jesus' grace Refresh our souls below.